Richtmyer-Meshkov instability in laser plasma-shock wave interaction

Abstract

The interaction between a laser plasma bubble and a shock wave involving a Richtmyer-Meshkov instability was experimentally studied via framing Schlieren visualization with a new experimental arrangement. The plasma bubble was generated by irradiating a TEA (Transversely-Excited Atmospheric) CO(2) laser pulse onto a parabolic mirror made of aluminum. After the laser pulse, the plasma bubble expanded and drove a spherical shock wave. The shock wave was reflected against the parabola, and interacted with the plasma bubble itself. In the interaction, a sharp interface is generated without membrane so that undesired membrane-oriented disturbances were eliminated. The flow visualization was conducted with various ambient pressure and laser energy, thereby obtaining different jet formations patterns.